Rec center is among nation's best

The lazy river inside UA's Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The center was recently named one of the best in the nation.

UA HAS ONE of the 25 best recreation centers in the nation, according to the website Best College Reviews.

Our Student Recreation and Wellness Center is ranked 14th nationally, and Akron is one of only three Ohio schools -- Ohio State and University of Cincinnati are the others -- to make the cut.

Of our center, the site said:

"Akron is a smaller MAC school, but they punch above their weight class with their world class student recreation facilities. The University of Akron recreation complex is 295,000 feet and features a 56 foot rock climbing wall, a leisure pool, a spa, and a lazy river. So you’ve got an indoor water park basically bolted onto a killer gym included when you attend Akron. Just the thing needed to wait out the cold Ohio winters."

Jim Walczyk, director of student recreation and wellness services, said the rec center remains a popular draw.

"As the facility approaches its 10th anniversary, it continues to impress, as we frequently receive compliments from students, prospective students and parents," Walczyk said.

"A lot of that attests to the quality of our employees," he added. "They work hard daily to ensure that we're providing great programming and services in a clean, safe and welcoming environment. Everything we do supports the success of our students, faculty, staff and community."

The building includes a 54-foot climbing wall, a spa, a running track, five gyms, two group exercise studios and 250 pieces of cardiovascular and strength-training equipment. The staff oversees acquatics, intramurals, outdoor-adventure programming, club sports and dozens of fitness and wellness programs.

Student use of the building remains very strong, Walczyk says.

"Keeping this environment feeling new and exciting remains a top priority for us,” he said.